So Ray Emery, where do you want to visit next? Greektown or Disneyland?

"I got in trouble last time I said who I wanted to win," the Senators goalie shrugged, cracking up those in attendance at the post-game press conference yesterday. "I'll just watch and see what happens and prepare for whatever team wins."

But which is a better spot to hang out, Detroit or Anaheim?

"I don't know," he said to more laughter. "I'll be in the hotel either way."

Emery improved his playoff record to 12-3 yesterday, stopping 27 shots in a 3-2 overtime victory in front of Buffalo fans who were miffed when the candid 'keeper stated before the series that there's not a lot to do on days off in their fair city.

But wherever Emery goes doesn't seem to matter to him as far as his play is concerned.

The series-ending victory over the Sabres improved his playoff road record to 7-1. The only loss was in overtime, in New Jersey April 28.

"I think the reason Ray played so well today," Mike Comrie said rather mischievously, "is that he wasn't happy coming back to Buffalo."

Emery did play well, especially in a third period, which saw the Sabres outshoot the Senators 11-3.

His best saves were blocker side, off Daniel Briere, Brian Campbell and Tim Connolly.

"I didn't think it should have been that lopsided as far as penalties, but we battled hard and I thought really did a good job to force overtime," he said of a third period that saw five minors called against the Senators and none against the Sabres.

"That's really tough for you against a team like that, to have that much time shorthanded and a 5-on-3 for a buck thirty or whatever it was."

Meanwhile, after beating Marc-Andre Fleury, Martin Brodeur and now Ryan Miller, Emery should be silencing those who doubt him.

GM John Muckler said after the game that the fact Emery has taken the Senators to the Stanley Cup final makes him an "elite goaltender."

DESERVES BIG RAISE

Muckler will obviously be reminded of that statement when he's negotiating a new contract for Emery, who will be in for a big raise on the $925,000 US he made this season.

"It's exciting anytime you achieve something like that, winning a conference as a team, but I think as a team it was maybe a bit more of a pride thing because last year it was disappointing," said Emery. "I didn't really feel right when we lost last year. There was definitely a pride factor when we played that team."

And the thought of facing former teammate Dominik Hasek next round is enticing?

"If it happens we play Detroit, I don't think it's a goalie-on-goalie thing," Emery said. "I think it's a full team series, and that's how I'll look at it. I'll just prepare for what shooters they have and what plays they have, different things like that. But I'm not worried about the other goalie."